Winnebago County Fair begins its 5-day run Wednesday. Here’s your quick guide to fair fun
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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PECATONICA — The Winnebago County Fair kicks off its five-day run on Wednesday, so we created this quick reference for need-to-know fair info.
From hours and ticket costs to the schedule at the grandstand and entertainment tent, here’s what to know before you hit the fair.
When does the fair begin?
The gates open at noon Wednesday, Aug. 16, and the fair runs daily through 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where is it located?
The Winnebago County Fairgrounds are at 500 W. First St. in Pecatonica.
What are the hours?
Wednesday: noon to 11 p.m.
Thursday: noon to 11 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What is there to do?
The Winnebago County Fair centers around events that celebrate agriculture, from 4-H competitions to tractor pulls and rodeo events.
There are also carnival rides and games from Midway, fair food classics such as elephant ears, funnel cakes and roasted corn, and a variety of musical acts and live entertainment.
You can see a complete list of entertainment here and a list of all vendors here.
How much is admission?
Prices vary by day and pass type. Here’s a breakdown:
Wednesday: $5 general admission; $3 for children ages 9-12; free entry for military and seniors 60 an older; free for children 8 and younger
Thursday: $5 general admission; $3 for seniors and military; free for children 12 and younger
Friday: $7 general admission; $5 for military, seniors and children 9-12; free for children 8 and younger
Saturday: $7 general admission; $5 for military, seniors and children 9-12; free for children 8 and younger
Sunday: $5 general admission; $3 for children ages 9-12; free entry for military and seniors 60 an older; free for children 8 and younger
Mega Pass: $25 (admission plus unlimited rides for any single day)
Pit Pass: $80 (admission to every day of the fair, plus pit entry to grandstand events)
How can I get tickets in advance?
You can buy tickets for admission, special passes and grandstand events here.
When is the queen pageant?
The Winnebago County Fair Queen and Junior Miss pageants begin at 6 p.m. at Moss Hall.
What is the main entertainment?
Here’s a look at the grandstand schedule for each day of the fair.
- 7 p.m.Wednesday: Big Hat Rodeo, $10; free for ages 8 and younger
- 7 p.m. Thursday: Truck races, $8; free for ages 8 and younger
- 1 p.m. Friday: Farmer’s Class tractor pulls, $5; free for ages 8 and younger
- 6:30 p.m. Friday: Badger State Hot Rod tractor pulls, $8; free for ages 8 and younger
- 6:30 p.m. Saturday: Illini State Pullers, $8; free for ages 8 and younger
- 2 p.m. Sunday: Demolition Derby, $8; free for ages 8 and younger
Here’s a look at the musical lineup in the entertainment tent for each day of the fair. All shows are free with fair admission.
- 7 p.m. Wednesday: The Brockway Brothers
- 7 p.m. Thursday: The Matthew Holm Band
- 8 p.m. Friday: The 80s Hit List
- 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: A Tribute to Elvis
- 9 p.m. Saturday: Infinity
Where can I get more info?
Go here for more info.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
